Queens Park Rangers are set to sign the former England defender Rio Ferdinand and have agreed a fee with Cardiff for Steven Caulker, the manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed.

The 35-year-old defender is available on a free transfer having been released by Manchester United at the end of his contract, and following his return from media duties at the World Cup is set for a move back to London, where he started his career at West Ham under Redknapp.

The former Tottenham centre-back Caulker, rated at some £8m, is another target for the newly-promoted club, but the Cardiff captain is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Everton and Southampton.

“Rio has agreed to join us and we’re hopeful of getting that one over the line when he gets back from the World Cup,” Redknapp said to Telegraph Sport. “I can’t foresee any problems with it and we’d be delighted if we can get it done soon. He’s been a player at the top of the list since he left Manchester United and he would give the whole place a lift with his quality and experience.”

Redknapp hopes Caulker, 22, will also opt to head to Loftus Road.

The QPR manager added: “We’ve agreed a fee with Cardiff and it’s now up to Steven to decide his next move. I know him well from Spurs and he’s always been a tremendous prospect. Hopefully that’s another one we can get done.”

This week QPR – promoted via the play-off final at Wembley – announced the release of Aaron Hughes, Stéphane Mbia and Andrew Johnson at the end of their contracts, while the midfielder Alejandro Faurlin has signed a contract extension. The goalkeeper Rob Green and striker Bobby Zamora are also in talks over possible new deals.